Disclaimer: This alpha preview was played on PC with mouse and keyboard. Console and controller experience may differ, as well as the final version.
As the battle royale subgenre of shooter has plateaued, a new genre has emerged: the extraction shooter. What started with Escape from Tarkov on the PC in 2016 has evolved into a whole genre that focuses more on gear and looting than just racking up kills within a time limit. And up until now, there hasn’t been much hope for a console game in the same vein ever releasing. But with Delta Force (originally Delta Force:Hawk Ops) upcoming release, it looks like that is all about to change, and Battlefield may have some steady competition as well.
I recently gained access to the alpha test for Delta Force’s multiplayer modes. And from what I’ve experienced, the future looks promising for this game. Read on for my first impressions of both modes. Keep in mind this is from a test version on PC. Any differences will be addressed in my review of the full release. Without any further ado, let’s dive right into my first thoughts on the current test version.
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Hazard Operations
To put it bluntly, Hazard Ops is exactly what I expected from Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2’s DMZ mode. It’s a slightly more casual take on the hardcore extraction shooter, but with all the elements that make it the full experience. Where Infinity Ward and Activision dropped the ball, Team Jade picked it up and ran with it.
All the mechanics DMZ never had are here. There’s a semi-detailed health system, tired armor and ammo, a spot-on inventory system, a market and stash for selling loot and building a loadout, the whole nine yards. There’s layers to the gameplay that keeps things fresh, from in-game missions to hot zones for intense combat. Players looking for a console extraction shooter may find what they’re looking for here. The loop of infiltrating an area, gathering some valuable loot, fighting AI and players, and successfully escaping never gets old.
I couldn’t pull myself away from it in my first two days when I’d sit down with the game. The mode is a great balance between hardcore and casual, with the inventory and health being more on the former side and the gunplay falling on the latter. It will make a good introduction to extraction shooters for most players, and will most likely replace Call of Duty’s DMZ mode for others. In my opinion, it’s the main draw this game has, but that doesn’t mean Havoc Warfare is a slouch of an experience.
Havoc Warfare
The other multiplayer offering here is Havoc Warfare. As of the test, the only mode available is a conquest mode akin to the Battlefields games’ main mode. And honestly, it pulls off the formula well. Coincidentally, between the large maps and teams, somewhat destructive environments, and semi-futuristic setting, it feels like a better Battlefield 2042. That’s not to say that it’s just a complete copy and paste from that game.
Havoc Warfare is a lot faster-paced than Hazard Operations, with infinite stamina and the addition of a tactical sprint. The deeper mechanics like the health and inventory are missing, as well. It’s all about the combat and objectives in this mode, and gives players a good break from the more in-depth extraction mode. It’s also simply a great option for players who just want the usual progression style and FPS combat.
Concerns
While Delta Force is an absolute blast to play, there’s still two huge concerns lingering: monetization and controllers. In regards to the latter , I’m curious as to how navigating the inventory menu will work on controller. From my experience with a mouse and keyboard, there could be a slight advantage for those players in Hazard Operations when organizing loot and gear. Regarding the former, as with any free-to-play game, the developers have to make money from their work somehow. It’s how Team Jade goes about this that will majorly affect its reception.
While they could easily just sell skins for weapons and characters, Hazard Operations has a chance of being a misstep in this department. With an in-game economy and currency, there’s a possibility that the currency itself could be monetized. And that’s not a great look for a mode whose biggest draw is players gaining money through extracting with and selling loot. It could lead to fast inflation and make your wallet the meta. The team announced that won’t be the case, though, but we’ll have to wait and see.
Conclusion
If you’ve been holding your breath for a good extraction shooter on PS5, Delta Force has what you’ve been looking for. If you’ve been looking for an alternative to Battlefield, you’ll be in for a good time too. And upon full release, there will also be a single player mode in the form of a complete remake of the Delta Force: Black Hawk Down campaign. There will be something for all FPS fans to enjoy.
The gunplay is smooth and snappy, the modes are fun, and the game feels damn near complete, and the fact it’s an alpha test is shocking. The only thing that could stifle this game is its monetization. Still, from at least a gameplay perspective, Delta Force is shaping up to be one of the best free-to-play shooters of this decade.
Delta Force’s console release is currently set for early 2025.
